Once Upon A Child Ann Arbor

Once Upon A Child Ann Arbor stands as a cherished destination for budget-conscious families across Washtenaw County. Located at 4559 Washtenaw Ave in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this resale boutique specializes exclusively in gently used children's clothing, toys, equipment, and accessories. What sets Once Upon A Child Ann Arbor apart is their meticulous quality control process—each item undergoes careful inspection before hitting the sales floor, ensuring families receive only the best secondhand children's items at 50-70% off retail prices. The bright, organized store layout makes shopping with children in tow a breeze rather than a burden, with clearly marked sections by age, size, and category. Local parents particularly appreciate the store's buy-and-sell model, allowing them to bring in outgrown items for cash on the spot while refreshing their children's wardrobes in a single visit.

Store Information

4559 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Phone: +1 734-971-6822

Website: https://www.onceuponachild.com/locations/ann-arbor-mi

Store Hours

  • Monday: 9AM-8PM
  • Tuesday: 9AM-8PM
  • Wednesday: 9AM-8PM
  • Thursday: 9AM-8PM
  • Friday: 9AM-8PM
  • Saturday: 9AM-8PM
  • Sunday: 10AM-6PM

What They Sell

Once Upon A Child Ann Arbor specializes in curated secondhand children's merchandise spanning from infant to pre-teen sizes. Their expansive inventory includes seasonal clothing, shoes, baby equipment (cribs, high chairs, strollers), toys, books, DVDs, and specialized items like dance attire and sports gear. Unlike general thrift stores, they focus exclusively on children's items, allowing for exceptional selection depth and quality standards. Particularly notable is their stock of higher-end brands like Janie and Jack, Mini Boden, and Hanna Andersson at fraction-of-retail prices, alongside practical everyday favorites from Carter's, Gap, and The Children's Place. Their baby equipment section offers safety-checked items that meet current guidelines, providing peace of mind for new parents.

The Neighborhood

Situated along the bustling Washtenaw Avenue corridor in Ann Arbor, Once Upon A Child enjoys a prime location easily accessible from both downtown Ann Arbor and neighboring Ypsilanti. The store sits in a vibrant retail district near Arborland Center, with convenient proximity to Whole Foods, Plum Market, and the Washtenaw Community College campus. University of Michigan families appreciate the straightforward drive from campus, while the nearby US-23 interchange makes the store a destination for bargain-hunting parents throughout Washtenaw County.

Parking

Once Upon A Child Ann Arbor offers ample free parking directly in front of the store in their spacious strip mall lot. Even during peak weekend shopping hours, finding a spot is rarely challenging. For those with sleeping children or large items to transport, several convenient spots are available right by the entrance. The wide parking spaces accommodate family vehicles comfortably, and the level lot provides easy stroller and cart access.

Shopping Tips

  • Join their email list or follow their Facebook page for alerts about seasonal sales events and special promotions, which often feature additional 50% discounts on clearance items.
  • Bring outgrown children's items to sell during weekday mornings when buyer wait times are shortest; remember all items should be freshly laundered and current-season appropriate.
  • For equipment purchases like strollers or high chairs, call ahead to check availability of specific items rather than making a special trip.
  • Shop off-season clearance for the deepest discounts—summer items in early fall and winter gear in early spring often reach 70-90% off retail.
  • Consider creating a wish list with the staff for specific items like specialty costumes, sports equipment, or high-demand toys—they'll often contact you when matching items come in.

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